Reader garden makeover: From patchy plot to sheltered haven

Ashley Cadd, 41, an interior designer, lives in a Victorian house in Wigan with his wife, Julie, 38, a supermarket supervisor.

He says: When we bought the property three years ago, the 65ft by 23ft garden was tidy but not very inspiring, with a narrow border running the length of the garden, a small rockery and a very patchy lawn. It was enclosed with old and cheap larch fencing.

BEFORE: An uninspiring garden with a patchy lawn

I had no overall plan, but I wanted a decked area, a summerhouse, and more structured planting. I got rid of the fencing and put up willow hurdle, made new gates, dug up all the existing plants, and got rid of the old turf.

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Then the decked area had to be built, as well as the summerhouse, which included a wood-burning stove and power points. I designed and installed lighting, constructed large wooden planters, laid new turf and edging, and planted trees and shrubs.

It was all my own work, including the joinery - I'm pretty practical having restored several houses and built theatre sets.

AFTER: Nicely structured garden for relaxing and entertaining friends

I bought local Accrington stone to place around the edges of the limestone gravel that surrounds the lawn area, and I chose contemporary zinc planters to contrast with the timber.

The work took four months and the total cost, including all materials, furniture and plants, was around £5,000. I reckon that by doing all the work ourselves, we saved about £10,000.

I particularly love the eucalyptus trees because of their all-year-round silver green foliage, and I also enjoy the shapes of the olive trees and the colours of the acers.

The garden has given us extra entertaining space and somewhere to relax, just as we had hoped.